When my husband John and I were seniors at the University of Arizona, the Carpenters were at the top of the music charts. We embraced them as our group who sang our songs as we were "a-courting." Their mellow sound and rich melodies fed our romantic feelings toward each other and toward life in general. At our wedding, we danced to, you may have guessed it, "We've Only Just Begun." Lyrics like "White lace and promises, a kiss for luck and we're on our way" made it the perfect song to start out a new marriage...or so we thought.

But as the years have rolled by and reality and maturity have set in, so has the realization that the romantic expectations of youth are so unrealistic and can only truly be fulfilled by an Almighty God.

And the wonderful thing is that with spiritual growth in Christ comes the freeing experience in a marriage of letting a mate "off the hook," allowing him to be human, forgiving, and then receiving everything as a free gift...not an expectation. At least that is the hope.

But what about all those love songs? Lest you think me cynical and jaded, I have to say they are valid within reason. But there came a time in my life, when I began to really listen to the words. It was then that I began to realize that the only One I could honestly sing them to is my Lord Jesus.

And so I would like to share with you, as this Valentine's Day approaches, the song that gave me that first "aha" moment many years ago. Would you like to join me in singing it from the heart to the Lover of your soul and mine?

I love YOU, my Jesus!

I Won't Last A Day Without You

Day after day I must face a world of strangersWhere I don't belong,I'm not that strongIt's nice to know that there's someone I can turn toWho will always care, you're always there

When there's no getting over that rainbowWhen my smallest of dreams won't come trueI can take all the madness the world has to giveBut I won't last a day without you

So many times when the city seems to be without a friendly faceA lonely placeIt's nice to know that you'll be there if I need youAnd you'll always smile, it's all worthwhile

When there's no getting over that rainbowWhen my smallest of dreams won't come trueI can take all the madness the world has to giveBut I won't last a day without you

Touch me and I end up singingTroubles seem to up and disappearYou touch me with the love you're bringingI can't really lose when you're near

If all my friends have forgotten half their promisesThey're not unkind, just hard to findOne look at you and I know that I could learn to liveWithout the rest, I found the best

When there's no getting over that rainbowWhen my smallest of dreams won't come trueI can take all the madness the world has to giveBut I won't last a day without you

When there's no getting over that rainbowWhen my smallest of dreams won't come trueI can take all the madness the world has to giveBut I won't last a day without you

A Branch In the Vine

Janet Renner Loyd has been a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ most of her life. Her formal education includes a degree in education from the University of Arizona and also a degree in Bible & Theology from Moody Bible Institute. For more than thirty years, she has been involved in teaching and leading women’s Bible studies, retreats, and meetings…most notably Precept upon Precept and various studies that she has personally developed. Professionally, Jan recently retired from teaching language and writing to GED and adult ESOL students.

About her life, Jan says, “The most important thing about me is my relationship with my Father God through my Lord Jesus Christ. I am forever grateful to Him for His love, mercy, and grace to me and my family and friends...and the world.”

Jan has been happily married to John Loyd for more than forty years. They have two adult, married children and five lively young grandsons.

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